Containerized File Carrier System

ABSTRACT

A file carrier and storage system is disclosed which can be used for any type of files and is particularly well suited for transporting hanging files which have hooks which extend beyond the file. A container provides a storage and support structure for the files while a carrier allowed batches of files to be transported in a structure which slideably receives the container. A plurality of containers may be used with a single carrier so that the container can be used as shelf or drawer holders for files. In this way, non hanging (suspended) files can also be conveniently used.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/655,368 filed on 23 Feb. 2005, the completesubject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a mobile container system forfiles.

2. Background

In an office setting, hanging folders are commonplace and are routinelyused for storing documents. A hanging folder has a front and a backcover, connected by a fold at the bottom of the folder. The contents areinserted between the front and back covers through the top of thefolder. The hanging folder is suspended by four hooks, located atopposite ends along the top edge of both the front and back covers.

The hooks provide a convenient way to suspend the folders, but they area hindrance when transporting or archiving the hanging folders. Thehooks may easily snag on other folders or papers, and may be easilydamaged.

Furthermore, the hanging folders do not easily fit into common storageboxes because of the hooks, requiring custom boxes for archival storagethat are generally expensive and are not of a standard size.Furthermore, if one wishes to archive a relatively small number of filefolders, such as the amount typically contained in a three-ring binder,one either has to use a small portion of a large archival storage box,thereby wasting space, or remove the contents of the hanging filefolders and place them in a file system of a different type, therebyconsuming effort and additional materials. Both of these scenarios areunacceptable.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a filing system that canaccommodate files, file folders, hanging file folders and other officeproducts, in which the folders may be easily identified, accessed,carried and transported.

Furthermore, the hanging folders are typically used in drawers, wherethe hooks engage ridges on the side edges of the drawer, or require anadditional metallic rail system on the inside of the drawer. It would beconvenient to store the hanging folders on a shelf, rather than in adrawer, which would simplify access to the files.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a containerized filing system, inwhich the containers may be stored on a shelf and may be easilytransported.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to assist the reader in understanding someaspects of the invention but is not intended to define the scope of theinvention or even point out all of the embodiments. For that, referencemust be had to the claims and entire specification.

One aspect of the invention is a hanging file transport system having acontainer having first pair of opposing sides and second set of opposingsides together forming a rectangular boundary defining a space thereinsized to receive hanging folders; said first pair of opposing sidesincluding support opposed support edges spaced to receive hanging folderhooks; and a carrier having 4 sidewalls and a bottom, thereby defining areceiving space, said receiving space sized to receive the carrier.

In another aspect of the system, the carrier receiving space is sized tosnugly to receive said carrier between said second set of opposingsides.

In another aspect of the system, the carrier receiving space betweensaid first said of sidewalls is sized to be just greater than thegreatest extent of a hanging folder.

In another aspect of the system the container include aperturesextending though opposing sidewalls, said apertures forming handles andhaving a convex upper surface.

In another aspect of the system the carrier include a foldable sectionconfigured to be able to fold away from said carrier, thereby furtherexposing said defined receiving space.

In another aspect of the system the carrier includes at least oneaperture in the bottom thereof to assist in urging said container out ofsaid defined receiving space.

In another aspect of the system the carrier includes a lever mechanismconfigured to urge said container out of said defined receiving space.

In another aspect of the system the lever mechanism includes a firstlever pivotally attached to an outer surface, a pivot and a lifting barextending from said pivot into said defined receiving space generallyadjacent said bottom.

In another aspect of the system the container has a wire frame structureand wherein said sidewalls and bottom are open air.

In another aspect of the system the wire frame further includes a foldersling hanging from top edges of said wire frame and extending towardsaid bottom.

In another aspect of the system the sling is a flexible material.

In another aspect of the system the container includes a pair ofretractable handles in opposing sidewalls.

In another aspect of the system the container includes sidewalls havingapertures forming handles and a depressed region surrounding saidhandles.

In another aspect of the system the file management system withtransporter having a plurality of containers having first pair ofopposing sides and second set of opposing sides together forming arectangular boundary defining a space therein sized to receive folders,each container including at least one removal handle; and a carriertransporter having a handle, 4 sidewalls and a bottom, thereby defininga receiving space, said receiving space sized to receive at least one ofsaid containers.

In another aspect of the system the defined space within said containeris wide enough to receive hanging folders but narrow enough that hooksfrom the hanging folders extend outwardly beyond said defined spaces, sothat the files are supported by said opposing sides.

In another aspect of the system the defined receiving space is wideenough to receive said container and said hooks.

In another aspect of the system, there is a method of transportinggroups of hanging files by the steps of forming a container having anupper frame edge, the container being wide enough to contain the filesbut narrow enough that the hanging hooks of the files extend outside thecontainer; forming a transporter carrier with a handle and a receivingspace large enough to accommodate said container and said hooks withinthe space.

In another aspect of the system there is the step of ejecting thecontainer from the carrier by urging the container out of the carrier bylevering upward from the bottom.

In another aspect of the system, further including the step of ejectingthe container from the carrier by urging the container out of thecarrier through apertures in the bottom of the carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective plan drawing of a filing system with thecontainer separated from the carrier.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filing system with the containerremoved from the carrier.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filing system with the containerpartially inserted into the carrier.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filing system with the containerinside the carrier.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wireframe carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has many embodiments. One system is a shelfmountable file storage/management system with transporter, where aplurality of containers 11 can be shelf or drawer mounted/stored andwhen there is a need to transport them, they can be slipped into areusable transporter carrier 12. In this configuration, the containercan also provide support for the files so that they don't tip over, sothat non-supported (suspended) files can more easily be used. Forexample, a drawer may have files in a plurality of side by sidecontainers. If they were non-suspended files, they would normally fallover unless the drawer was tightly packed, with the use of containers,they will stay substantially upright and accessible. In anotherembodiment, the container and transporter can be sold/used as a unit andwhere the container provides a convenient method to hold groups offiles, especially hanging (ie suspended) folders which are difficult totransport.

FIG. 1 shows a filing system 10 that has a container 11 and acarrier/case 12. The container 11 is sized to accommodate several filesor folders 13, and fits inside the carrier 12 along with all its folders13. The preferred configuration is for carrier 12 to hold hangingfolders 13, though the invention should not be seen as restricted tothis type of file.

The container 11 has a pair of first opposing edges 14, which arepreferably formed as rigid supports, which can support the hooks 15which are typically integral to steel or plastic bars of hanging folders13. The first opposing edges are preferably spaced just greater than thegreatest extent of the integral bar including hooks. When suspended, thehanging folders 13 are largely contained inside the container 11, andany index tabs 36 along the top edge of the hanging folders 13 may bevisible from the top of the container 11. The carrier 12 is preferablytall enough to accommodate the index tabs 36 on the hanging folders 13.

The container 11 may have an identification slot/holder or a label 16 onits spine, so that the contents of the container 11 may be readilyidentified without disturbing the container 11 or the hanging folders13. The label 16 or window may be affixed directly onto the side of thecontainer 11, or may be inserted into a transparent holder on the sideof the container 11, or it may be cut out to view file loading.

The container 11 may have a hole or aperture 17 on its side, preferablyon the same side as the label 16. Such a hole 17 is useful for removingthe container 11 from a shelf. If we consider a container that does nothave such a hole, said container may prove difficult to remove from ashelf, especially if said container is located directly adjacent toother containers of the same size. The hole 17 allows a user to grip thewall of the container 11 directly, then easily pull the container 11 offthe shelf.

The container 11 may have one or more handles 18, preferably formed asholes in the walls of the container 11, i.e. below the top edge of thewall. The handles 18 are preferably located on the pair of wallsadjacent to the wall that has the label 16 and hole 17. The handles 18allow a user to easily lift the container 11 and its contents. Thehandles 18 have an arcuate shape, convex with respect to the user's handto make lifting less painful. Handles may also be slideably attached tothe inner or outer surfaces of the sidewalls and thus be retractable.

One or more top edges of the container 11 may have an access feature 19(an arcuate concave depression though any depression or recess whichexposes the file surface will also suffice), which allows a user to gripthe hanging folders 13 while they are still hanging inside the container11. If slideably retractable handles are used, depression 19 wouldprovide a way to grasp the handles and draw them upwardly. Although theaccess feature 19 is drawn centered along the edge of the container, itmay also be located off to one side or the other. Alternatively, theremay be more than one access feature 19 along a top edge of the container11.

The carrier 12 is sized to receive the container 11 with its contents.As drawn in FIG. 1, the carrier 12 opens via the top (side or ends). Auser inserts a container 11 with its contents into the opened carrier12. Finally, the carrier 12 is closed and sealed, typically by a latch21, although a buckle, snap, clip, hooked fastener, or other well-knownfastening mechanism may be used. Once sealed, the carrier 12 holds thecontainer 11 securely, so that even if the carrier 12 is inverted, thecontents of each hanging folder 13 remain intact and do not mix betweenfolders. The carrier 12 preferably has a handle 22, which aids incarrying the carrier 12.

FIG. 2 shows a filing system 20 in which the container 23 is in positionto be lowered into the opened carrier 24.

The container 23 is empty, and the absence of hanging files allowsseveral of the features to be seen more clearly. The container 23 has apair of opposing edges 25, which support the hooks on the hangingfolders. The container 23 has a pair of handles 26 and access features27. The container 23 also has a label 28 and a hole 29.

At times it may be difficult to remove the container 23 from the case 12since the handles, in one embodiment are recessed at a tightly packedcarrier may make reaching the handles difficult. There are severalsolutions to this problem. One is shown in FIG. 1 where the surface 218proximate the handles 18 is inwardly depressed or recessed on both sidesso that a gap will be formed between the depressed region and the innerwalls of the carrier. This gap will allow for a user to insert his/herfingers and grasp the carrier. Of course this depressed region, whichcan be formed by pressing or molding of the sidewall will occupy some ofthe interior space. Hence another solution is possible.

There are many ways to eject or urge the container out of the FIG. 3illustrates a lifting lever 315 which is located on an exterior sidewallof case/carrier 12. The lever 315 is pivoted toward the bottom of thecase at pivot 320 and is preferably rigidly attached, preferably to alifting bar 325. By pulling lever 315 away from the case, bar 325 willbe raised there by raising carrier 25 sufficiently to grasp the handles.A bias spring can be provided to maintain lever 315 in contact withcase/carrier 12 and a gripping hook 330 can be provided to grasp same.

The opened carrier 24 has a handle 31 attached to a handle flap 32. Whenthe carrier 24 is closed, the handle flap 32 closes first and providesthe surface in closest proximity to the top ends of the hanging folders.For this reason, it is preferable that the handle flap 32 extends overessentially the entire top surface of the carrier 24, so that thecontents of each folder may be held in place during transport. Dottedline 37 indicates a possible second fold part in addition to flap 32. Inthis embodiment flap 32 would also bend at line 37, located preferablyone-half to two-thirds from the bottom. This will expose handle 26 foreasy lifting. Dotted line 37 also indicates a possible a side/frontentry version of this product where the fold line 37 is less than halfthe height of the sidewall. In such case, the carrier 25 can be “frontloaded” into the case without it being fully opened. Note that thecarrier could be wider to accommodate multiple containers side-by-side,such as double or triple width, the limiter being only the weight of thefully loaded carrier.

Opposite the handle flap 32 is an attachable flap 33, which closes afterthe handle flap 32. The attachable flap 33 has a hole 34 that allowsaccess to the handle 31 once the flaps are closed and secured. At theend of the attachable flap 33 is a latch 35, which engages a latch mount36 when the carrier 24 is secured. Alternatively, any other suitablelocking mechanism may be used, including a buckle, a snap, or others.

FIG. 3 shows a filing system 30 in which the container 23 is partiallylowered into the opened carrier 24. Note that the interior of thecarrier 24 is slightly larger than the container 23, so that thecontainer may be inserted and removed easily, and so that the hooks onthe hanging folders may fit inside the carrier without catching on anyof the edges. Also illustrated are optional holes 340 which wouldprovide an alternate means of urging or ejecting carrier 25 out of thecase, sufficiently to grasp the handles.

FIG. 4 shows a filing system in which the container is completelyinserted inside the carrier 41, which is closed and secured. Note thatthe handle 42 extends through the attachable flap 43, and may be held bythe user when the carrier 41 is transported.

In a preferred embodiment, the containers are made from a suitablematerial such as plastic or cardboard. In fact, they may also be a wireframe style with no sidewalls. It is necessary that they be rigid enoughto support hooks 15 if hanging files are stored therein. Otherwise, theycould be fabric or other soft web (even disposable) material like Tyvek®with a top frame, or full wireframe and a fabric/web sling for easyremoval. Most preferably, the carriers are inexpensive enough to use asmedium-term storage, in the same manner that documents are typicallystored on shelves in three-ring binders. Also preferably, the carriersare made from a durable material such as leather, cloth or a hardfabric, such as those used in briefcases and laptop computer cases.

The containers are preferably sold separately from the carriers, so thata relatively few number of carriers/cases may sufficiently support arelatively large number of containers. For instance, if an office workerwants to take the contents of a particular container home or to anotheroffice, the worker places the container into a carrier, closes andsecures the carrier, and transports the carrier as if it were a suitcaseor briefcase. If the container is unintentionally turned on its side orinverted during transport, the contents of each hanging folder remainintact without mixing with the contents of any other folder.

FIG. 5 shows a wireframe version of carrier 11, denoted as carrier 111.In this embodiment, a wire frame metal or other substantially rigidmaterial forms a top frame 113, and four upright supports 115 (twoshown) and optionally a base frame 117. An optional fabric sling 119 issuspended between rails 113A and 113B. This option is only needed forfiles that do not have hooks that would engage the wireframe 113.

The description of the invention and its applications as set forthherein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosedherein are possible, and practical alternatives to and equivalents ofthe various elements of the embodiments would be understood to those ofordinary skill in the art upon study of this patent document. These andother variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed hereinmay be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

1. A hanging file transport system comprising: a. a container havingfirst pair of opposing sides and second set of opposing sides togetherforming a rectangular boundary defining a space therein sized to receivehanging folders; said first pair of opposing sides including supportopposed support edges spaced to receive hanging folder hooks; and b. acarrier having 4 sidewalls and a bottom, thereby defining a receivingspace, said receiving space sized to receive said carrier.
 2. The systemof claim 1 wherein said carrier receiving space is sized to snuglyreceive said carrier between said second set of opposing sides.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said carrier receiving space between saidfirst said of sidewalls is sized to be just greater than the greatestextent of a hanging folder.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein saidcontainer include apertures extending though opposing sidewalls, saidapertures forming handles and having a convex upper surface.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one sidewall of said carrierinclude a foldable section configured to be able to fold away from saidcarrier, thereby further exposing said defined receiving space.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said carrier includes at least one aperture inthe bottom thereof to assist in urging said container out of saiddefined receiving space.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said carrierincludes a lever mechanism configured to urge said container out of saiddefined receiving space.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said levermechanism includes a first lever pivotally attached to an outer surface,a pivot and a lifting bar extending from said pivot into said definedreceiving space generally adjacent said bottom.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein said container has a wire frame structure and wherein saidsidewalls and bottom are open air.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinsaid wire frame further includes a folder sling hanging from top edgesof said wire frame and extending toward said bottom.
 11. The system ofclaim 10 wherein said sling is a flexible material.
 12. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said container includes a pair of retractable handles inopposing sidewalls.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said containerincludes sidewalls having apertures forming handles and a depressedregion surrounding said handles.
 14. A storable file management systemwith transporter comprising: a. A plurality of containers having firstpair of opposing sides and second set of opposing sides together forminga rectangular boundary defining a space therein sized to receivefolders, each container including at least one removal handle; and b. acarrier transporter having a handle, 4 sidewalls and a bottom, therebydefining a receiving space, said receiving space sized to receive atleast one of said containers.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein saiddefined space within said container is wide enough to receive hangingfolders but narrow enough that hooks from the hanging folders extendoutwardly beyond said defined spaces, so that the files are supported bysaid opposing sides.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said definedreceiving space is wide enough to receive said container and said hooks.17. A method of transporting groups of hanging files by the steps of a.forming a container having an upper frame edge, the container being wideenough to contain the files but narrow enough that the hanging hooks ofthe files extend outside the container. b. Forming a transporter carrierwith a handle and a receiving space larger enough to accommodate saidcontainer and said hooks within the space.
 18. The method of claim 17further including the step of ejecting the container from the carrier byurging the container out of the carrier by levering upward from thebottom.
 19. The method of claim 17 further including the step ofejecting the container from the carrier by urging the container out ofthe carrier through apertures in the bottom of the carrier.